June 2009 - Rockies at Sea
During June 2009 I joined Manawanui for a four week period including EX TRIDENT WARRIOR based in the waters surrounding Great Barrier Island. For the two weeks of the exercise I was also joined by ASEA Dulieu from HMNZS OLPHERT.
After an absence from active duty of almost four years there was a certain amount of ‘fear factor’ involved in returning to sea in a watch-keeping capacity. Fortunately I had enjoyed a previous deployment on Manawanui some years earlier and this made it some what more comfortable in re-familiarising myself with my temporary at sea home.
Image Right: LT Brett Wildbore, RNZNVR onboard HMNZS Manawanui (MC 09-0264-005).
I was initially taken aback that my bridge knowledge had become so ‘rusty’. What I once considered ‘second nature’ had suddenly become a blurred memory of a distant but thoroughly enjoyable past! My gratitude goes to the CO, Lt Cdr Rowe RNZN, for his cautious patience and fatherly mentoring as I steadily progressed towards a platform endorsement – which I proudly gained.
To be back at sea in a naval environment has given me a feeling of coming home. The Navy has been an important part of my life for over 20 years and those years away were most definitely a period of confusion and uncertainty as the VR became realigned into its current form – and I am most grateful that I may have found a place where I can be of some use. I am hopeful that other VRX officers will now see and welcome the new opportunities that are definitely there for sea time albeit in a more challenging and demanding environment than what was perhaps the case in previous times.
Above Image: ASEA Dulieu RNZNVR - onboard HMNZS Manawanui (MC 09-0264-006).
I have asked myself why I am back at sea again. The answer to that remains as simple as it has always been for the VR as a whole; it is purely an opportunity to spend quality time with quality people. It also provides an opportunity for personal growth that may not always be readily available in our civilian occupations.
I am fortunate that the NZ Police, as my employer, is strongly supportive of its staff having ‘another life’ as a Defence Force Reservist.
LT Brett Wildbore, RNZNVR